Metal Underground.com

Well known around the Akron, Ohio music scene, Last Stone Cast plays the kind of swaggering straight out hard rock that’s heavy on earthiness and big on technique, without being too complicated and twiddly. Guitarist/vocalist Scott McConnell handles double duty without skimping on quality. Along with drummer Bill Morrison and bassist Jon Epstein, this power trio has all the chops, but never resorts to heavy-handed gimmicks. Think of Rush (minus Geddy Lee’s high-pitched vocals), or even the Midwestern version of King’s X.

The seventies hard rock of "Take Me Home" comes in with a clear tone that holds true for the rest of the CD. The production here is excellent for a small label release. ("Life Construed" was produced by bassist Epstein and mixed by former Warrant guitarist Billy Morris). "Ever Know," with its bluesy tinge, showcases McConnell’s swirling, dreamy guitar, while "I Would Die For You" (not the Prince song) has a crunchy intro and a bit of "Cookie Monster" vocals before reverting back to simple American hard rock. "Who’s to Say?" has a prog rock feel while "To Myself," the CD’s best track, is what a power ballad sounded like before they were given that name - plaintive and genuine without being schmaltzy.

"Life Construed" owes its success to the basic tenets of rock ‘n roll - well-constructed songs, good players, and no frills production. It’s meat and potatoes rock ‘n roll, the perfect soundtrack for a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a Saturday night party.